1894C, Cast and Lil Gun

[whitedog]

I picked up a box of laser cast 158 RNFP when I was at cabela's last week. I want to load them ahead of Lil gun. Anybody doing this, any leading issues? I think I'll start around 16 gr and work up to 18. I'll be shooting them out of my 1894C

[cwlongshot]

WELCOME!!!

 Lil gun is a good powder for this caliber, but may not be the best for lead bullets. You didn't mention in your bullets description if it was a gas check bullet. So I will assume it is not. This being the case, I would keep the velocity to under 1100fps. Personally, I would choose a different powder. Something like Unique or Trail Boss. These are better suited to the lead bullet and these lower velocities.

CW

[BCB]

If that cast bullet is a bevel base, you will most likely have a leading problem and those microgrooves fill quickly!!!

I shoot the Lyman 358429 which is a plain base and a Keith design—no bevel base—in my 1894C.  This slug weighs in at around 170 grains and leading is very minimal do to the plain base…

My most accurate reloads are using 2400 and SR-4759…

In all honesty, and a bit discouraging, this is the ONLY bullet that shoots well in my Marlin.  BUT, it does shoot very well and cast is about all I shoot anymore…

Good-luck…BCB

[dpe.ahoy]

I use alot of LilGun in the 357, that is all I use in it anymore.  But I use jacketed or cast with gas-checks and it works fantastic.  I'm sure the laser-cast are bevel base, but may be hard enough that with the higher charge MAY shoot just fine.  Try it with the jacketed or GC's and you will really like it.  Brian Pierce with Handloader Magazine went up to 19.0gr behind the 158's and I have used that charge for over a year in 5 different 357 rifles and have had no problems, go above 18.0gr at your own risk.  DP